Alberta to consult on minimum wage

As previously committed, the Government of Alberta will listen to employers and employees on how to move forward with changes to the minimum wage.

Focused consultations will be held over the next month with key stakeholders, including employers, social service organizations and low-income earners.

Discussion topics will include future increases, meal and lodging deductions and the phase-out of the differential liquor server rate.

“We’re committed to bringing Alberta’s general minimum wage up to $15 per hour to give lower-income Albertans the ability to support their families. We want to take the time to listen to the people directly involved and make sure we get this right.”

Christina Gray, Minister of Labour

Minimum wage facts

Approximately 59,000 Albertans earn minimum wage.

The majority of minimum-wage earners (61 per cent) are female.

Approximately 43 per cent of minimum-wage earners work full time, and nearly 77 per cent have permanent jobs.

Low-income earner facts

Over 300,000 Albertans currently earn $15 per hour or less.

Over 50 per cent of those earning $15 per hour or less are the heads of households or their spouses.

Over 33,000 of those earning $15 per hour or less are single earners with children.